Are carpool lanes considered passing lanes?

Q: Are the carpool lanes on our interstate highways considered passing lanes?

While it seems the rules of the road dictate that slower traffic should keep right and that the passing lanes are on the left, in those areas of highway where there is a carpool lane, are motorists in the carpool lane expected or required to move left as well?

A: No.

“HOV lanes are not passing lanes,” State Patrol trooper Dan McDonald said. “You have to have the minimum number of passengers posted in the vehicle to be in the HOV lane.

“If you meet the passenger requirement, then you can use the HOV lane as a passing lane, but if you are the only occupant then you cannot enter the HOV lane at any point.”

The number of people required to drive in a carpool lane can vary. For more information, click here.

Thanks to the people who submitted questions. Previous answers are linked below.